Chinese challenger brand putting next effort into compact sports utility.

GOOD bones can make all the difference and perhaps Zeekr hopes that’s the case with the next car it’s launching here.

Seat to sit as an understudy to the 7X crossover is the ‘X’, a sports utility measuring in at 4432mm long, 1836mm wide, 1566mm high, and riding on a 2750mm wheelbase, that will front in rear- and all-wheel-drive from next month.

While the styling speaks to the Geely-owned brand’s specific design language, the platform has a Swedish accent, being one originally developed for the EX30 from Volvo, which is also a stablemate in the parent’s portfolio. Along with Polestar, Smart, Lotus and others.

Designated a compact luxury SUV, the X avails with a refresh that delivers strengthened performance credentials, faster charging capability, and updated standard features.

The rear drive at $59,990 and the all-wheel-drive entering for another $10,000 more could make comparison with the EX30 likely.

The rear drive version with the Swedish badge holds $5000 premium over the Chinese take, but the all-wheel-drive cars are lineball.

Both have the same powertrains, batteries and identical range estimates, but performance tuning is higher behind the Zeekr badge.

The single motor X generates 250kW through the rear wheels, combined with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery and claimed 405km range on the WLTP cycle.

The AWD steps that up with a 115kW front motor, and 250kW rear motor for a combined system output of 365kW, paired with a Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) battery and a WLTP claimed 415km driving range.

Zeekr X will sprint from 0-100kmh in 5.6 seconds, while the AWD makes the run in just 3.7 seconds.

The model claims 230kW fast charging capability for the LFP battery in the RWD, with 10-80 percent achieved in 18 minutes, while the 150kW charging capability for the AWD means 10-80 percent charging in 30 minutes.

A matte khaki green and onyx black exterior is the hero look for the AWD model, but it’ll cost $2000 more.

Adding in a black interior with red stitching and bunging on black forged 20 inch alloys completes the factory’s optimal look, but adds another $2k.

Want to guess what it costs to implement electric opening front doors?

Matte green isn’t availed to the rear drive and any colour other than white on that one is a $1000 extra. The black interior ditto.

Even if the car is ordered without extra touches, it still delivers a lot. Heated first and second row seats, inductive steering wheel controls and a 13-speaker Yamaha surround sound audio system come to both.

AWD models get first row massage seats, and a temperature controlled fridge mounted under the armrest in the centre console.

X models get Zeekr’s advanced driver assistance system, ‘Zeekr AD’, which includes five high definition cameras, five millimetre wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and remote parking assist.